Pharmacist in South Burlington, VT

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering a move to South Burlington, Vermont.

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The Salary Picture: Where South Burlington Stands

As a local who has watched this small, dynamic city evolve, let’s talk numbers first. South Burlington sits in a unique pocket of the country—it’s the economic engine of the Burlington metro area but retains a small-town feel. For Pharmacists, the salary landscape is strong, reflecting the high demand for healthcare professionals in a region with a significant aging population and the presence of major medical centers.

The median salary for a Pharmacist in South Burlington is $136,030/year, with an hourly rate of $65.4/hour. It’s worth noting that this figure aligns exactly with the national average ($136,030/year), which is favorable. In many rural parts of the country, salaries lag behind the national figure, but Vermont’s critical need for healthcare workers keeps compensation competitive.

Here’s how experience breaks down in our local market. Keep in mind, Vermont employers, especially those tied to the University of Vermont (UVM) Medical Center, often have structured pay ladders.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (South Burlington)	Key Local Employers for This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$120,000 - $128,000	Retail chains (CVS, Hannaford), smaller independent pharmacies.
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$130,000 - $140,000	Hospital outpatient pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, larger chain store managers.
Senior (10-19 years)	$140,000 - $150,000	UVM Medical Center (inpatient/clinical), clinical specialist roles, management.
Expert (20+ years)	$150,000+	Director-level positions, specialized clinical pharmacy (oncology, infectious disease), academia at UVM.

Comparison to Other VT Cities:

• Burlington (city proper): Very similar to South Burlington, with a slight dip in median salary ($135,200/year) due to a higher density of retail pharmacy positions. Commute times are negligible (10-15 minutes).
• Essex Junction: Slightly lower median ($132,800/year), as it’s a more residential suburb with fewer major medical employers. Commute is easy via I-89.
• Montpelier (State Capital): Salaries are competitive ($135,800/year), but the job market is smaller (<20 jobs in metro). It’s a 45-minute drive, offering a quieter, more political vibe.
• St. Albans: A smaller city to the north, with a median salary around $130,500/year. The job market is tight, and the commute is about 30 minutes.

Insider Tip: The 10-Year Job Growth for Pharmacists in the U.S. is -3% (BLS data). This national trend is reflected locally in South Burlington. While there are currently 40 pharmacist jobs in the metro area, the field is contracting. This makes specializing or securing a stable hospital position (like at UVM Medical Center) more crucial than ever. The growth is in clinical roles, not retail dispensing.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what a $136,030 salary means in South Burlington. Vermont has a progressive state income tax (ranging from 3.35% to 8.75%), and you’ll pay federal taxes and FICA. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single filer, assuming a gross monthly income of $11,336.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$11,336	Based on $136,030/year / 12.
Federal & FICA Taxes	~$2,800	Average effective rate of ~24.7%.
VT State Income Tax	~$750	Average effective rate of ~6.6%.
Health Insurance/Deductions	~$400	Varies by employer. UVMC offers excellent, but not the cheapest, plans.
Net Monthly Income	~$7,386	Your take-home pay.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,441	For a modern apartment in a good area.
Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet)	$250 - $350	Electricity is expensive in VT. Winter heating is a major cost.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$500 - $700	A reliable car is a must in VT. Insurance is moderate.
Groceries	$400 - $500	VT has a high cost of living for food.
Debt/Student Loan	$500 - $1,000	Varies wildly; crucial to factor in.
Remaining (Savings/Lifestyle)	$3,495 - $4,295	This is a strong position for saving and discretionary spending.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With a net monthly income of ~$7,386, a mortgage of $2,000 - $2,500 is very manageable, leaving ample room for other expenses. The South Burlington housing market is competitive, with median home prices around $450,000 - $500,000. A 20% down payment ($90k-$100k) is substantial, but with your salary, saving for it is feasible. Many pharmacists here own single-family homes in the suburbs (like Shelburne or Williston), which offer more space for a similar price to a 1BR apartment in South Burlington.

The Job Search: South Burlington's Major Employers

The job market is tight with only 40 positions in the metro. Knowing the key players is essential. Here’s the local landscape, ranked by stability and opportunity.

1. The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMC): The 800-pound gorilla. This is the region's primary Level I Trauma Center and academic hospital. They have the largest pharmacy department, offering roles in inpatient, oncology, critical care, and management. Hiring Trend: Consistent, but competitive. They value clinical credentials (BCPS, BCOP) and often prefer candidates with a Pharm.D. and residency experience. We're friends with a clinical pharmacist here, and she says the culture is team-oriented but demanding.

2. CVS Health: With multiple locations in South Burlington and nearby Shelburne Road. These are primarily retail positions. Hiring Trend: High turnover, so openings appear frequently. It's a good entry point, but burnout is a known issue. The South Burlington Plaza location is one of the busier stores in the state.

3. University of Vermont (UVM) Health Network Pharmacy (Outpatient): Located near the main hospital. Focuses on specialty pharmacy, infusion services, and ambulatory care. Hiring Trend: Growing. They are expanding their specialty pharmacy footprint, especially in areas like rheumatology and dermatology. This is where you can often find better work-life balance than in retail.

4. Shaws Supermarkets (Pharmacy Division): Has several locations in the area, including in the Shelburne Road area. Hiring Trend: Steady. Shaws offers a more traditional grocery-store pharmacy environment, which some pharmacists prefer for the pace. It’s a solid option for those seeking a community-focused role.

5. The Vermont Department of Health: While not a direct pharmacy employer, they oversee the state's prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) and public health initiatives. They sometimes hire pharmacists for regulatory or public health roles. Hiring Trend: Niche but stable. These positions are posted on the state's official job board.

6. Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC): Located about 30 minutes south, in Rutland. It's a community hospital that often competes for the same talent pool. Hiring Trend: Can sometimes offer better work-life balance and a lower cost of living in Rutland. It’s a viable option if you’re open to a short commute.

Insider Tip: The Vermont Pharmacy Association (VPhA) is an invaluable local resource. Their job board is often more current than national sites, and their annual conference is a prime networking event. Also, set up job alerts on the UVMC careers page; they post positions in cycles.

Getting Licensed in Vermont

If you’re moving from out-of-state, the licensing process is straightforward but requires foresight. You must be licensed by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR).

Key Requirements & Steps:

1. NAPLEX & MPJE: You must pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) for Vermont and the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). If you’re already licensed in another state, you can often transfer via reciprocity, but you’ll still need to take the Vermont MPJE.
2. Fingerprinting: Vermont requires a criminal background check via the Vermont Criminal Information Center (VCIC) and the FBI. This is done electronically at a designated location.
3. Application & Fees: The application fee is $200, with an initial license fee of $220. The total upfront cost is around $420. You must submit a complete application before the state will authorize your NAPLEX/MPJE scores to be sent.
4. Immunization Certification: While not mandatory for licensure, most employers in South Burlington (especially retail chains) require you to be certified to administer immunizations (e.g., through the APhA or state program). Budget an additional $200-$400 and a weekend course.

Timeline: The process typically takes 8-12 weeks from application submission to a full license. Start this process before you move, as you cannot practice without a Vermont license.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

South Burlington is divided by Shelburne Road (VT Route 7), the main commercial artery. Commutes are short everywhere, but lifestyle and rent vary.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute Time	Typical 1BR Rent	Ideal For
South End (Shelburne Road Corridor)	Urban-suburban mix. Walkable to shops, restaurants, and the lake. 5-10 min drive to UVM Medical Center.	$1,550 - $1,800	Young professionals who want convenience and a slightly more lively atmosphere.
Twin Lakes Area	Quieter, residential. Family-friendly with good schools. 10-15 min drive to major employers.	$1,350 - $1,500	Pharmacists with families or those seeking more space and peace.
Williston Road Area	More commercial and newer construction. Easy access to I-89 and retail hubs. 10 min drive to downtown.	$1,400 - $1,650	Those who value modern amenities, proximity to shopping, and easy highway access.
The Old North End (Burlington)	Technically in Burlington city limits, but adjacent to South Burlington. Historic, diverse, walkable. 10-15 min drive.	$1,300 - $1,500	Pharmacists who want a more urban, eclectic feel and don't mind a short commute.
Shelburne (Town)	A separate town, 5-10 minutes south. Very affluent, scenic, with a classic New England village feel.	$1,500 - $1,900+	Senior pharmacists with higher incomes seeking a premier residential setting.

Insider Tip: If you're single and want to minimize your commute, the South End of South Burlington is unbeatable. You're 5 minutes from UVMC and 5 minutes from the lake. If you're buying a home, Williston and Shelburne offer more square footage for your money, with excellent school systems.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a -3% national job growth outlook, your career path in South Burlington requires strategy.

Specialty Premiums: To command a salary above the median, specialization is key. Pharmacists with Board Certification (e.g., BCPS - Ambulatory Care, BCOP - Oncology, BCPP - Psychiatric) are highly sought after at UVMC and its network. These specializations can add a 5-10% premium to your base salary and make you significantly more marketable.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Move from a staff pharmacist to a clinical specialist (e.g., diabetes, cardiology) and then to a clinical manager. This path is most common in hospital settings.
2. Management: Retail chain pharmacists can move into district manager roles, overseeing multiple stores. This often requires strong business acumen and people skills.
3. Industry & Consulting: While less common in South Burlington, some pharmacists work for pharmaceutical companies in a remote capacity or consult for long-term care facilities. This is a path for those seeking more flexibility.

10-Year Outlook:
The local market will likely see a continued shift away from traditional dispensing roles. The expansion of the UVM Health Network and Vermont's aging population will drive demand for clinical pharmacists in primary care and specialty clinics. Automation in retail will continue to cut down on dispensing time, pushing retail pharmacists into more patient-facing, clinical roles (medication therapy management, vaccinations, health screenings). The -3% contraction in jobs will be felt most in retail, while hospital and clinical roles will see stable or slight growth.

The Verdict: Is South Burlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary: Median of $136,030 aligns with the national average and supports a comfortable lifestyle.	High Cost of Living: Rent at $1,441/month and expensive groceries/utilities eat into the paycheck.
High Quality of Life: Unbeatable access to outdoor recreation (Lake Champlain, mountains), great food scene, and a vibrant, educated community.	Tight Job Market: Only 40 pharmacist jobs in the metro; competition for the best positions (UVMC) is fierce.
Stable Employer Base: UVM Medical Center provides a bedrock of stable, career-oriented jobs.	-3% Job Growth: The field is contracting nationally, requiring proactive career management.
Manageable Commute: You can live in a quiet suburb and be at work in 10-15 minutes.	Vermont Winters: Long, dark, and cold from November to April. This can be a significant adjustment.
Four-Season Recreation: From skiing at Stowe to summer sailing, the outdoor lifestyle is a major draw.	"The Vermont Way": The local culture can feel insular. Building a social network takes time and effort.

Final Recommendation:
South Burlington is an excellent choice for Pharmacists who prioritize quality of life over pure career advancement. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals (5-15 years of experience) who can secure a stable position at UVMC or a large specialty pharmacy. The salary supports homeownership and a comfortable life. However, it’s less suitable for new graduates seeking rapid advancement or those who dislike cold, snowy winters. If you value a balanced life with nature, community, and a strong income, South Burlington is a hidden gem. If you crave the energy of a major metropolis or are looking for a booming, high-growth industry, look elsewhere.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living in South Burlington really "average"?
Yes and no. The Cost of Living Index is 100.0 (US avg = 100), but this is misleading. Housing, utilities, and healthcare are above average, while transportation and groceries are at or above average. Your $136,030 salary will feel comfortable, but not lavish, unless you share housing or have a low debt load.

2. Can I find a job as a new graduate Pharm.D. without a residency?
Yes, but your options are more limited. You’ll likely start in a retail chain (CVS, Shaws) or a staff pharmacist role at a community hospital. To get into UVM Medical Center’s prestigious clinical programs, a PGY-1 residency is almost always required. Many new grads move to Vermont for a retail position and then complete a residency later.

3. How is the work-life balance for a hospital pharmacist in South Burlington?
Generally good, but it depends on the role. Inpatient pharmacists at UVMC often work a mix of day, evening, and weekend shifts. Clinical specialists in outpatient settings typically have more traditional weekday hours. Overall, Vermont employers are known for respecting work-life balance more than in many other states.

4. What’s the best way to network in the local pharmacy community?
Attend the annual VPhA conference (held in Burlington each fall). Join the Vermont Society of Health-System Pharmacists (VSHP). Also, simply being a member of the community—shopping at local stores, attending UVM games, hiking—creates organic connections. Pharmacists here are generally friendly and willing to help.

5. Do I need a car in South Burlington?
Yes, 100%. While the core of Burlington (a 5-minute drive) has a decent public bus system (CTA), South Burlington is car-centric. You'll need a car for commuting, grocery shopping, and accessing the incredible outdoor recreation (which is spread out). Winter weather